A couple looks on during the rioting earlier this week

Riots claim fifth life

Riots claim fifth life

By politics.co.uk staff

A man has been arrested following the death of Richard Mannington Bowes, the fifth person to have their life claimed by the riots.

The 22-year-old is being held in west London on suspicion of murder, rioting and carrying out three burglaries according to Scotland Yard.

Mr Bowes died of serious head injuries just before midnight last night. He was attacked on Monday night after trying to stop two youths setting fire to bins.

"This was a brutal incident that resulted in the senseless killing of an innocent man," detective chief inspector John McFarlan.

"I still need the assistance of the community who may have witnessed the attack on Richard to come forward and provide information or images they may have recorded on mobile devices. This information could be crucial in catching his killer."

London mayor Boris Johnson said: "There are many villains in this story, but also many heroes, and I want to pay particular tribute to Mr Bowes. But he has paid a terrible price. I am desperately sorry for him and his family."